The Nicky Henderson-trained Shishkin, who let his backers down and refused to race at Ascot on Saturday, could be out again as early as this weekend, with an entry in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle.
Shishkin Could Travel With Constitution Hill To Newcastle On Saturday
The BetMGM-sponsored Newcastle card on Saturday will be headlined by the Champion Hurdler Constitution Hill, who is a red-hot favourite in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle.
However, some of that spotlight could be taken away from the star hurdler as trainer Nicky Henderson could also send his Shishkin in the Seven Barrows horsebox to Newcastle.
The 2019 Arkle Chase winner hit the headlines on Saturday at Ascot for all the wrong reasons after planting himself at the start and refusing to race (watch below).
Leaving his old rival Pic D’Orhy to come home with the prize. Shishkin had been 8/13 favourite for that Ascot race and would have been the subject of many a Saturday accas.
Most of the main bookmakers, including Paddy Power, did, however, refund bets on Shishkin, but supporters will be thinking twice about adding his name to any Saturday bets this week.
Shishkin has been known for his quirky attitude in the past, including when downing tools in the 2022 Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. But that was the first time he’s refused to race.
Henderson Keen To Try Shishkin Out Again Before The King George
Henderson is clearly keen on getting a run into Shishkin before a tilt at the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day. Having said after the race he was as shocked as anyone for his non-start and the horse was in a mood, but was also worried about going straight to Kempton unless it happens again.
The good news is last year’s Rehearsal Chase winner L’Homme Presse also used this Newcastle race as a stepping stone towards the King George VI Chase. And despite unseating jockey Charlie Deutsch that day at the last was booked for a top three finish.
Nicky Henderson also has history in Saturday’s Rehearsal Chase – having won the prize in 2017 with his stayer Beware The Bear.
As a result of Saturday’s antics the best UK horse racing betting sites pushed Shishkin out to 6/1 for the King George VI Chase, with last year’s winner Bravemansgame still heading the betting despite losing in the Betfair Chase last Saturday.
WATCH: As Shishkin Refuses To Race In The Nirvana Spa 1965 Chase at Ascot
When Is The Rehearsal Chase 2023?
📅Date: Saturday 2nd December 2023
🕙Time: 3:05pm
🏇Racecourse: Newcastle (2m 7 1/2f)
💰 Winner: £39,965
📺 TV: ITV / Racing TV
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